Review: The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

The Way of Shadows (The Night Angel, #1)
by Brent Weeks
Published by Orbit
Adult, fantasy

The perfect killer has no friends. Only targets. For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art. And he is the city's most accomplished artist, his talents required from alleyway to courtly boudoir.

I was fascinated and excited when I read the blurb for The Way of Shadows and all the praise it has. I have been looking for a good book about assassins and the blurb promised just that.

Weeks is talented story teller, I give him that. However, any and all character development is abandoned for the sake of intricate plot. The characters are caricatures and card board copies. Everything is told to the reader, nothing is shown and there isn't really any development - no one changes, and this book takes place over years, and the main character grows from young child to an adult. This lack of depth made it impossible for me to care for any character; they are so flat and it's hard to understand people's motivations, so it's difficult to care. There are also so many characters and new ones introduced in every few chapters. In the end, I liked one character and felt indifferent to most; two or three I actually hated. For me, that's not enough to enjoy the story. No matter how intricate plot or how many twist and turns, if I don't care for any of the characters and what happens to them, what is the point?

Then there's the obsession with virginity. I cannot underline how many times virginity is connected to loyalty and good character in the story. All the despicable characters are either whores or promiscuous. It's not even about female characters being either virgins or whores, it applies to the male characters as well. Logan and Kylar are both virgins, and it's made seem like that makes them good and loyal, because they are saving themselves. It feels absolutely frustrating, because it shouldn't be what is held important. Both also have this puppy love for their chosen girls, which is a pet peeve of mine. Kylar is an assassin, who kills on order and doesn't ask questions, but he has this naive love for Elene, ever since they were children. It's even more frustrating, because Elene has absolutely no personality, she's dull and boring.

Calling an assassin with talent a wetboy... who thought it is a good idea? Sure, reader will get used to it after six hundred pages, but I still dislike the word so much. It doesn't inspire fear, just snickers. Of course, it's not a big problem compared to complete lack of characterization and all the telling not showing. The pace is also a little bit off; the start is slow, then it picks up, only to be slowed down again. There's a lot of talking and politics, and not enough action until the last hundred pages where most of the action is crammed into.

The story is not bad, but I didn't care for the characters. I certainly won't be continuing with the series, especially after the ending has the story going in the direction and relationship that I don't want to read about. I just don't care enough. Such a disappointment, because I expected assassins and intrigue, but there isn't a lot of assassinations, Kylar's training is mostly off page, and the focus is more on courtly politics.

2 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Book Blitz + Giveaway: On Davis Row by N. R. Walker

On Davis Row
by N.R. Walker
Publication date: November 27th 2017
Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible. 

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance. 

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they’re not that different at all.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

I knew firsthand how life could change on a dime. How sometimes all it took was getting laid off work and trying to make easy money to feed a family. Sometimes parents didn’t give a shit and kids had to steal stuff to survive. Sometimes they got lost in the system, trampled on by life, blinded by the fact no one seemed to give a rat’s arse. Sometimes they were forgotten; sometimes it was desperation or mental illness or addiction that kept company with bad decisions and unfortunate circumstances.

          And sometimes good people did bad things. Sometimes they weren’t good people at all. Sometimes evil lurked behind blank stares, and sometimes it screamed.

Author Bio:
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. 

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way. 

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love. 

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since... 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: House of Cards by Garrett Leigh

House of Cards (Porthkennack, #4)
by Garrett Leigh
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Calum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.

Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret. But despite the years of silence, their old bond remains, warm and true—and layered with simmering heat they’ve never forgotten.

Calum takes refuge with Brix and a job at his Porthkennack tattoo shop. Bit by bit, he rebuilds his life, but both men carry the ghosts of the past, and it will take more than a rekindled friendship and the magic of the Cornish coast to chase them away.

House of Cards was a brilliant story because it had it all: beautiful and atmospheric scenery of Cornish seaside, great and fleshed out characters and real emotions. Even when there was problems, pasts and obstacles to go over, there wasn't any melodramatic reactions. Leigh's writing style is a little bit melancholy which transferred to the story beautifully, and made it seem so real with plenty of emotions. Overall, everything from the fictional seaside town to the characters and plot twists seemed to real that I couldn't help but love it.

The characters were great, and maybe the best part of the story. Calum's going through a rough patch in his life after a bad breakup with his manipulative ex, and he's lost what to do with his life. He ends up at Truro and meets Brix who was his friends years ago when both of them lived in London. Brix, who just disappeared one day and moved from London back to his hometown, Porthkennack. Brix offers Calum a place to stay and it all starts from there. Calum and Brix were the characters I fell for because of how strong and sweet they were even after the life had kicked them multiple times. There's also Brix's eccentric (and somewhat criminal) family, who were great and funny, and of course the tattoo shop gang. The romance was slow burn but Calum and Brix had almost unbelievable chemistry - which wasn't all about steamy stuff either, because their chemistry made them work well together in every way possible. It was just so brilliant and sweet.

House of Cards is the best story of Porthkennack series this far. Especially after the disappointment of Broke Deep, this was a very pleasant surprise and I fell in love with the story, Calum and Brix, and restored my faith in this series. I highly recommend this one - either as a standalone or as part of the series as either way it's a brilliant story.

5 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review House of Cards!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Heart of the Steal by Avon Gale & Roan Parrish

Heart of the Steal
by Avon Gale & Roan Parrish
Published by Philtre Press
eARC (received from book tour organizer)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Responsible, disciplined William Fox channeled his love for art and his faith in the rules into being an FBI Art Crimes agent. Right and wrong, justice and injustice—the differences are clear, and Will has spent his career drawing a line between them. Maybe his convictions have cost him relationships, but he’s not willing to compromise what he knows is right. Until the night he meets Amory Vaughn.

As the head of his family’s philanthropic foundation, Vaughn knows very well that being rich and powerful can get him almost anything he wants. And when he meets endearingly grumpy and slightly awkward William Fox, he wants him more than he’s wanted anything. Vaughn is used to being desired for his name and his money, but Will doesn’t care about either.

When Vaughn falls back on old habits and attempts to impress Will by stealing a painting Will admires, their nascent bond blows up in his face. But Vaughn isn’t willing to give up on the glimpse of passion he saw the night he took Will apart. Before Will knows it, he’s falling for the man he should have arrested, and Vaughn has to realize that some things can’t be bought or stolen. Love has to be given freely. But can a man who lives by the rules, and a man who thinks the rules don’t apply to him, ever see eye to eye?

Heart of the Steal is sweet romance (without being sickeningly sweet) about two men who are different from each other and from completely different backgrounds. Will is an FBI agent from Art Crimes division, a little bit awkward when it comes to meeting new people and he's from average midwestern family; while Vaughn is rich philanthropist with no family left and specialized in flirting and socializing. Not to mention that Will sees world as black and white, right and wrong, while Vaughn tends to steal painting when the mood strikes him. It's a disaster of making, but sparks fly because Will and Vaughn have this intense chemistry. Their differences were what made the relationship and their story so adorable and endearing.

 I had a hard time deciding whether I liked Will or Vaughn more, at least until I decided that it doesn't matter because I liked both of them. I loved seeing how Vaughn fell for Will, and how Will had to face that relationships and world doesn't work as black and white as he'd like. It was a journey for both of them, but I loved how neither of them lost any of their adorable quirks. They're both likable characters, which made the story flow nicely. The pacing was on point, and the authors' writing styles were a great match because I couldn't tell the difference, which made the story flow perfectly.

What I really loved about Heart of the Steal, was the fact that it doesn't have overly dramatic and angst ridden revelations and problems. True, Will and Vaughn have things to overcome but those felt realistic because it was mostly about different kind of morals and views of world meeting. It was truly freshening reading experience, and made the story unpredictable. And obviously I'm going to love a character that dresses up as Lucius Malfoy on Halloween. It might have just been the best part of the book, or at least the funniest.

I highly recommend Heart of the Steal if you're in need of great contemporary romance that's sweet and loving but also entertaining.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Release Day Blitz: Heart of the Steal by Avon Gale & Roan Parish

Heart of the Steal
by Avon Gale & Roan Parish
Published by Philtre Press
Release day: July 11th, 2017
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Responsible, disciplined William Fox channeled his love for art and his faith in the rules into being an FBI Art Crimes agent. Right and wrong, justice and injustice—the differences are clear, and Will has spent his career drawing a line between them. Maybe his convictions have cost him relationships, but he’s not willing to compromise what he knows is right. Until the night he meets Amory Vaughn.

As the head of his family’s philanthropic foundation, Vaughn knows very well that being rich and powerful can get him almost anything he wants. And when he meets endearingly grumpy and slightly awkward William Fox, he wants him more than he’s wanted anything. Vaughn is used to being desired for his name and his money, but Will doesn’t care about either. 

When Vaughn falls back on old habits and attempts to impress Will by stealing a painting Will admires, their nascent bond blows up in his face. But Vaughn isn’t willing to give up on the glimpse of passion he saw the night he took Will apart. Before Will knows it, he’s falling for the man he should have arrested, and Vaughn has to realize that some things can’t be bought or stolen. Love has to be given freely. But can a man who lives by the rules, and a man who thinks the rules don’t apply to him, ever see eye to eye?

Add on Goodreads

Get your copy

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

Excerpt

“So, William. You came. But something tells me the sentiment behind my invitation has gone rather astray.”

“Then you admit that you left the Staunton painting and a note outside my apartment,” he said flatly, and my eyes narrowed.

“Have I miscalculated your interest?”

William looked like he couldn’t decide whether to laugh or yell. It was smoldering.

“You have miscalculated my profession,” he responded. We were standing close enough to kiss, and when he reached a hand into his jacket, my breath caught. I wanted to help him strip it off and kiss that spot of barbeque sauce off his perfect mouth.

But he didn’t take his jacket off. He slipped his hand out holding something from his pocket. A badge.

An FBI badge.

I was lightheaded. I spent three beats of my heart wondering what the medical diagnosis would be for dying of sheer irony. 

Author bios

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.

Connect with Roan: website | newsletter | twitter | facebook | goodreads | instagram | pinterest

Avon Gale wrote her first story at the age of seven, about a “Space Hat” hanging on a rack and waiting for that special person to come along and purchase it — even if it was a bit weirder than the other, more normal hats. Like all of Avon’s characters, the space hat did get its happily ever after — though she’s pretty sure it was with a unicorn. She likes to think her vocabulary has improved since then, but the theme of quirky people waiting for their perfect match is still one of her favorites.

Avon grew up in the southern United States, and now lives with her very patient husband in a liberal midwestern college town. When she’s not writing, she’s either doing some kind of craft project that makes a huge mess, reading, watching horror movies, listening to music or yelling at her favorite hockey team to get it together, already. Avon is always up for a road trip, adores Kentucky bourbon, thinks nothing is as stress relieving as a good rock concert and will never say no to candy.

At one point, Avon was the mayor of both Jazzercise and Lollicup on Foursquare. This tells you basically all you need to know about her as a person.

Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.

Connect with Avon: Website | Twitter | Facebook | FB Group | Newsletter | Goodreads

Review: Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson

Tied to Trouble (Gamers, #3)
by Megan Erickson
Published by Entangled Brazen
ebook (purchased)
Adult, LGTB, contemporary romance

Between love and hate, there's a whole lot of trouble…

Chad Lake only showed up at his sister's party for the free food, but when he spots an uptight nerd at the edge of the crowd, he can't resist trying to ruffle the guy's perfect bow tie and impeccable hair. The hottie's ready for him, though, and in the end, it's Chad who's left wide-eyed, his ears still ringing with the filthy things Bow Tie whispered in his ear. No one gets the upper hand on Chad. Ever.

Owen Hawkins has heard all about the cocky Adonis from Chad's sister—the same sister who holds Owen's career advancement in her hands. He has every intention of steering clear of the other man…until Chad's sexy taunts push him too far. There's something intriguing about Chad, and even though Owen knows that getting tangled up with the infuriating man is trouble, he can't seem to stay away…

**This is part of an M/F series but can be read as standalone**

Tied to Trouble surely had great banter and snarky comments between the main characters Chad and Owen. I'm a huge fan of banter, so it's no surprise I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Chad was also charming and funny, even if he was the type of person who had refused to grow up of society's terms by the time he was thirty. Owen was Chad's opposite in a way that he's mature and responsible in every possible way. It shouldn't work, but they had sizzling chemistry, which was a page turner. And somehow, Erickson managed to make bow ties sexy and irresistible, and it's one of the highlights of Tied to Trouble. Chad, and the budding relationship between him and Owen were the best thing and if it had been just that, I would have rated the book higher than three stars. However, there was this thing that made me a bit annoyed about the story.

The one thing that made me pretty disinterest and almost had me skipping pages, was the subplot about Chad's sister Marley being proposed by her boyfriend Austin. I haven't read their previous story, and I was unable to connect with either of them because Austin was controlling and didn't show redeeming qualities and Marley was a bit too overbearing and bossy. Their subplot took about a quarter of the story line, which I felt could have been used to deepen Chad and Owen's relationship or they as individual characters. Especially since there was this quite cliche (and bit annoying) dramatic moment that changed their relationship and led to a bad argument that just caused drama.

If you're looking for a light read that's relatively low on angst but full of steamy scenes and hot nerds, then Tied to Trouble might be good choice for you. However, I have to say that other M/M books from Erickson are way better especially plot wise (I recommend the Cyberlove and In Focus series).

3 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

ARC Review: Summer Stock by Vanessa North

Summer Stock
by Vanessa North
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Tabloid scandals have driven TV star Ryan Hertzog to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where he’s hiding out doing summer stock at his cousin’s seaside theater. When a hookup with local handyman Trey Donovan results in Ryan being photographed butt naked, he vows to keep his pants on and his hands off Trey. How was he supposed to know Trey would turn out to be the summer stock set builder?

Trey isn’t looking for a relationship; he’s still recovering from the emotional fallout of an abusive marriage. But Ryan’s laughter draws him in again and again, and he’s not about to say no to fooling around. 

As the summer heats up, the paparazzi catch Ryan in increasingly compromising situations. Ryan might be too much drama for a summer fling—and Trey might be just an intermission from Ryan’s Hollywood life. But if they take their cues from Shakespeare, all’s well that ends well.

Summer Stock is a very lovely love story that features some nice platonic friendships. The main characters, Ryan and Trey, are both trying to figure out their place in life; Ryan is figuring his life out while his best friend Ali is in rehab and he's trying to shed the Hollywood party boy persona. Trey, however, survived abusive marriage, getting out barely alive, and now he's dealing with its fallout and his own insecurities. Vanessa North dealt with both of their insecurities and problems without any unnecessary drama or pitfalls.

Both Ryan and Trey were very likable characters and they had chemistry, and there was some good and steamy moments. The biggest applauds has to go to the fact that both of them acted like responsible adults and they actually talked about things and problems, and apologized when they made mistakes. It was very refreshing and partly because of that there wasn't a lot of angst and drama. Summer Stock was nice and quite smooth sail, a really cute contemporary romance that made me happy to dive into it. And of course, I was so super excited to have bisexual main character! Especially one like Ryan who was well rounded character who refused to be labelled as anything else than bisexual.

Overall, Summer Stock was really nice love story which was quiet in a sense that there wasn't any unnecessary drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I do recommend it to anyone who finds the blurb interesting.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Summer Stock!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Broke Deep by Charlie Cochrane

Broke Deep (Porthkennack, #3)
by Charlie Cochrane
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Morgan Capell’s life is falling apart by small degrees—his father’s dead, his boyfriend dumped him, and his mother’s in the grip of dementia. His state of mind isn’t helped by his all-too-real recurring nightmare of the wreck of the Troilus, a two hundred year old ship he’s been dreaming about since his teenage years.

The story of the Troilus is interwoven with the Capell family history. When amateur historian Dominic Watson inveigles himself into seeing the ship’s timbers which make up part of Morgan’s home, they form a tentative but prickly friendship that keeps threatening to spark into something more romantic.

Unexpectedly, Dominic discovers that one of the Troilus’s midshipman was rescued but subsequently might have been murdered, and persuades Morgan to help him establish the truth. But the more they dig, the more vivid Morgan’s nightmares become, until he’s convinced he’s showing the first signs of dementia. It takes as much patience as Dominic possesses—and a fortuitous discovery in a loft—to bring light out of the darkness.

I loved the first two installments in the Porthkennack series, and I had high hopes for Broke Deep, especially since the premise sounded so fascinating - I'm a history student so the aspect of researching local and family history and shipwrecks was really something I looked forward to read about. However, Broke Deep didn't meet my expectations and I had hard time connecting with the characters, and overall I was quite disappointed with the story.

To me, the story and its characters felt quite one dimensional as there wasn't much to hold onto or to identify with. The beginning of the book was promising: there was some strong feelings as Morgan had just been dumped by his insensitive ex-boyfriend while he was still dealing with his mother's early dementia, and Dominic seemed really enthusiastic about the research of the shipwreck. However, from then on it was a downhill for me, because the ship and plot surrounding it got lost among the all the long heart to heart talks. And despite all those long conversations between Morgan and Dominic, the reader don't learn anything new about the characters, their past and aspirations beyond what the first chapters told. For example, Dominic's career choice was mentioned once and there wasn't really anything about his family or living situation, other than he was mainly living in London. All of that made the characters bland and they just lacked any personalities. Most prominent characteristic that Morgan had was that he was really selfish most of the time, and Dominic was way too forgiving. I just couldn't connect with either of the characters and it all just felt so bland, especially since even the romance lacked a lot of any sort of heat.

Broke Deep just didn't seem to go anywhere, and all the major things were left unsolved: the budding relationship, the shipwreck, Morgan's fears of dementia. There were also plenty of telling but not really showing how the characters felt. The story had a lot of potential because the premise was very interesting and even the beginning of the story had potential to be as good as the previous books in the series. In the end it just didn't work for me because by the end I just didn't care about the characters or the plot.

If you're into long heart to heart conversations and romance that's slow burn and doesn't really have any steamy scenes and you find the premise interesting, then Broke Deep might be for you. I just didn't click with the story. However, I can wholeheartedly recommend the two previous books (Wake Up Call and A Gathering Storm) in Porthkennack series.

2 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Broke Deep!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Concourse by Santino Hassell

Concourse (Five Boroughs, #5)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Ashton Townsend is the most famous celebutante of Manhattan’s glitterati. The black sheep of his wealthy family, he’s known for his club appearances, Instagram account, and sex tape. Most people can’t imagine him wanting for anything, but Ashton yearns for friendship, respect, and the love of his best friend—amateur boxer Valdrin Leka.

Val’s relationship with Ashton is complicated. As the son of Ashton’s beloved nanny, Val has always bounced between resenting Ashton and regarding him as his best friend. And then there’s the sexual attraction between them that Val tries so hard to ignore. 

When Ashton flees his glitzy lifestyle, he finds refuge with Val in the Bronx. Between Val’s training for an upcoming fight and dodging paparazzi, they succumb to their need for each other. But before they can figure out what it all means—and what they want to do about it—the world drags them out of their haven, revealing a secret Val has kept for years. Now, Ashton has to decide whether to once again envelop himself in his party-boy persona, or to trust in the only man who’s ever seen the real him.

Concourse was an engaging read and true to Hassell's style with flawed, real and truly fleshed out characters. The main characters Ashton, who's a sweetheart who wants to be accepted and loved but never gets it from his family, and Valdrin, who's always had almost crippling sense of responsibility of his family and Ashton. In that sense of responsibility, Valdrin was very easy to relate with. Ashton and Valdrin were friends even though they were from very different upbringings, Valdrin coming from Bronx with little money and Ashton being socialite and heir from Manhattan. However, they have been friends for years, although sometimes their friendship was quite sexual, almost bordering friends with benefits type of situation.

Concourse was engaging and hard to put down because Valdrin and Ashton had this connection that was very magnetic and there were a lot of push and pull. There were plenty of emotional turmoil with drama and angst because of their life situations and feelings for each other which they battled a lot. I have to admit that some moments were just a bit too dramatic, and I wanted to slap both Valdrin and Ashton because most of the time, they made the situation way more hard than it had to be. But it also showed how messy and scary love really is, and sometimes you are the biggest object to overcome the difficulties that lie before the possibility of relationship with someone.

There were plenty of characters, some of them who were interesting and downright delight such as Nunzio and Matt, and some who I just couldn't connect with any level and was left more irritated than anything else. Anyway, Concourse was entertaining read with truly fleshed out characters, and I really liked the boxing aspect even if I'm not a big sports fan. Ashton and Valdrin were just so cute together, too, so I enjoyed it a lot.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Concourse!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: A Gathering Storm by Joanna Chambers

A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack, #2)
by Joanna Chambers
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, historical, romance

When grief-stricken scientist Sir Edward Fitzwilliam provokes public scorn by defending a sham spiritualist, he’s forced to retreat to Porthkennack to lick his wounds. Ward’s reputation is in tatters, but he’s determined to continue the work he began after the death of his beloved brother.

In Porthkennack, Ward meets Nicholas Hearn, land steward to the Roscarrock family. Ward becomes convinced that Nick, whose Romany mother was reportedly clairvoyant, is the perfect man to assist with his work. But Nick—who has reason to distrust the whims of wealthy men—is loath to agree. Until Fate steps in to lend a hand.

Despite Nick’s misgivings, he discovers that Ward is not the high-handed aristocrat he first thought. And when passion ignites between them, Nick learns there’s much more to love than the rushed, clandestine encounters he’s used to. Nevertheless, Nick’s sure that wealthy, educated Ward will never see him as an equal.

A storm is gathering, but with Nick’s self-doubts and Ward’s growing obsession, the fragile bond between the two men may not be strong enough to withstand it.

A Gathering Storm was very authentically feeling story set in fictional Porthkennack seaside town in Cornwall. It's second book set in there (first being Wake Up Call) but can be read as a standalone without confusions.

One of the main characters is Sir Edward Fitzwilliam, shortened as Ward, who is aristocratic gentleman and a scientist. He moves to Porthkennack after his reputation suffers in London, and he's set to do scientific research at the small seaside town. Ward's very likable character even though he is flawed; he can be a bit wrap up to his privilege and while he doesn't mean anything bad, he often comes off as inconsiderable. He also has a harsh voice because of childhood sickness of diphtheria, and other characters described him at times as handsome gentlemen with a voice of the devil. The other main character is Nicholas Hearn, or Nick, who's somewhere between landed gentry and commoner, not really belonging to either because he's a bastard son of wealthy landed gentry man, and he's employed by his grandfather as a steward of the estate. Nick's quite quiet and a man of few words because he doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere in Porthkennack even if he loves to be there. Nick's quite lovable character too, although his biggest flaw is that he's a bit wrap up to his own sense of not belonging to see people around him how they are.

What I really loved about the A Gathering Storm was the likable characters, the authentic feeling of the setting, how the dialogue and mannerism matched the historical setting/time, and overall the historical setting as 19th century small seaside town and the aspects of science and scientific discoveries that Ward's background and work brought to the story. The romance between Ward and Nick was slow burn with tension which was very nice, and overall the exploration of their relationship was such a good read. The story also explored deeper aspects of grief, or more than that, what actions deep grief can cause. The only slightly negative thing was that the ending was a bit abrupt - but that might just be me, because I would have enjoyed reading about Ward and Nick a little bit more!

I recommend this if you enjoy authentic historical settings and slow burn romances.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review A Gathering Storm!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Book Blitz + Giveaway: The Rainbow Clause by Beth Bolden

The Rainbow Clause
by Beth Bolden
Publication date: April 3rd 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance

Heisman winner. Member of the National Championship team. NFL Rookie of the Year. Quarterback Colin O’Connor knows he’s become the ultimate romance novel cliché: all the success he’s ever dreamed of but nobody to share it with. Too bad it’s not as simple as asking out the next girl who intrigues him – because the next girl to intrigue him probably won’t be a girl at all.
Unexpectedly, the solution comes in one neat package: Nick Wheeler, lead journalist for a leading sports and pop culture blog. Hired by Colin’s team, Nick comes to Miami to shine a spotlight on the NFL’s most private quarterback. 

The heat in Miami rises when Nick discovers that Colin is nothing like the hollow personality he pretends to be in interviews and he’s even hotter in person than on his Sports Illustrated cover. Nick knows this is the story of his career, and after spending his teenage years as a bullied, closeted teen, it hits very close to home. What he needs is to help Colin share his story while keeping their growing relationship from boiling over in the press, but what he wants is to tell the world.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Beth Bolden lives in Portland, Oregon with her supportive husband and their beloved cat. She wholly believes in Keeping Portland Weird, but wishes she didn’t have to make the yearly pilgrimage up to Seattle to watch her Boston Red Sox play baseball. She’s a fan of fandoms, and spends too much of her free time on tumblr. 

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published two novels, The Lucky Charm and Getting Lucky, and a short story, Eye of the Storm. Her next novel, Summer Attractions, will be released in August 2016.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Giveaway! (INTL)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Wake Up Call by JL Merrow

Wake Up Call (Porthkennack, #1)
by JL Merrow
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

South London mechanic Devan Thompson has gone to Porthkennack to track down someone he’s been waiting all his life to know. But Dev’s distracted from his quest by Kyle, a broodingly handsome local of only a few months, who’s already got a reputation as an alcoholic because of his strange behaviour—including a habit of collapsing in the street.

Kyle Anthony fled to Porthkennack to escape from the ruins of his life. Still raging against his diagnosis of narcolepsy—a condition that’s cost him his job as a barrister, his lover, and all chance of normality—the last thing he wants is another relationship that’s doomed to fail. But Dev’s easy-going acceptance and adaptability, not to mention his good looks, have Kyle breaking all his self-imposed rules.

When disaster strikes Dev’s adored little sister, Kyle steps up to the plate, and Dev sees a side of his lover he wasn’t prepared for: competent, professional—and way out of Dev’s league. With one man determined that they don’t have a future, and the other fearing it, life after Porthkennack is starting to look bleak for both of them.

Porthkennack is a fictional town in Cornish seaside with rich history - the setting for this novel was absolutely brilliant because how the atmosphere transferred to the story. Even more brilliant was how authentic the story was; the characters actually spoke with local accents, especially Dev who was from South London and had a thick accent. It did get a bit used to because there were some words and sayings I wasn't familiar with, but it really did a lot for the story which I admired a lot. Overall I just really loved to read a book set in England.

Wake Up Call was a touching story with a hints of sadness, sweetness, and coming to terms with both health and family issues. Dev, twenty-four years old motor mechanic from London, went to Porthkennack for a three week holiday and for a quest to find his birth mother. He met there some interesting people, including Kyle who used to be a criminal attorney in London before he was diagnosed with narcolepsy with catalepsy. Kyle's mostly isolated himself because of the narcolepsy but Dev's determined and he has a heart in a right place even if he sometimes said things he didn't mean in the heat of the moment. Kyle and Dev were just so adorable and hot together that I couldn't get enough of their interactions and conversations. Character wise the only complain I have was that Dev's friend, Mal, was introduced so late. He was hilarious and I'd liked to see more of him.

I just wished more Dev and Kyle moments at the end; the ending was a bit abrupt and the epilogue didn't satisfy me enough. Otherwise I really liked Wake Up Call.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Wake Up Call!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Fast Connection by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

Fast Connection (Cyberlove, #2)
by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell
Published by Megtino Press
Ebook (received from authors, thank you!)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

After a decade of serving in the Army, everyone still expects me to be Dominic 'Nicky' Costigan—the skirt-chasing player. They don't know I've been spending my days trying to figure out my post-military life. Including how to pick up guys. 

When I meet Luke on a hookup app, he makes it clear it's for one-night only. That's fine with me, because I'm down to see what this silver fox can do. But after I arrive at his doorstep, it doesn't take long to realize we have serious chemistry, and we end up meeting again. 

He's got more walls around his heart than a military base, but I think he's as addicted to me as I am to him. He can't resist me for long. I mean, who can? Except Luke's rules exist for a reason, and when I test his limits, things get complicated. Maybe too complicated.

After Strong Signal and how it was everything I've ever wished a M/M romance to be, I wouldn't have missed Fast Connection by any chance. It happened that this one even exceeded my expectations - which were incredible high to begin with - and became my favourite of the series. And yes, made sure that there won't be a day when I miss out a new Megtino story.

Fast Connection had it all; great, intriguing characters, romance with steam and more importantly, chemistry, as well as real life struggles, and the main characters families were heavily involved in the story which was absolutely great. It mixed the romance and the family life perfectly together, and acknowledged that sometimes people have to do sacrifices for their families. Often romances focuses a bit too heavily only on the main romantic couple, but I'm delighted to say that this deals with the families equal amount to the romance itself.

And seriously, Dominic stole my heart. Through Garrett's eyes in Strong Signal he seemed cocky and really self-assured, but I loved how this story brought up that Dominic wanted change and that he was scared for his future after the army and how he worried for his family. He's a sweetheart, and I loved him and kept rooting for him like no other. For Luke I warmed up a little slower but I think that's the point as Luke was wary and seemed a bit cold after he first hooked up with Dominic. Still, Luke was a good guy who just had been burned before, and he more than made up any coldness when the story evolved. And hey, I like grumpy guys like Luke. I loved Dominic and Luke together, and gods did they have chemistry!

Utter perfection, that's what Fast Connection was for me. Stunning, brilliant, and definitely one of my favourite books, and on top of my all time favourite M/M romances. I absolutely recommend this to everyone!

5 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

Thank you, Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell, for giving me a chance to read and review Fast Connection!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Review: Omega Untamed by Zoe Perdita

Omega Untamed (Lost Wolves, #5)
by Zoe Perdita
Published by Eccentric Erotica
Ebook (purchased)
Adult, LGBT, paranormal, romance

Abel Mircea, an alpha wolf, was banished from his kingdom at 16, but now the king who banished him needs Abel's help to save it. As one of the most fearsome assassins in the world, Abel knows he can do it, but he needs something beyond money or power to make it worth his while.

Enter Dagz Thorn-- an omega slave who looks like anything but. He's the only survivor of a vicious attack by hunters working for the warlord Arno, and when Abel saves Dagz, the alpha gets more than he bargained for. Not only does Dagz pledge his life to Abel, he also swears they are mates, bound together by a bond deeper than blood.

However, Dagz is not an ordinary omega-- he's a berserker who can't control his outbursts of violence. And now he's Abel's problem. Good thing they have a shit ton of hunters asking for an ass kicking.

While lust flares between the alpha and omega, can love bloom in the darkest parts of their hearts?

I've been pretty entwined with this series lately, and I was happy that Omega Untamed continued to have all those things which I loved in previous books; action, romance, impossible situations, danger, and trying to be more clever than their enemies.

This time the assassins were back as Abel was an alpha trained to be the shadow assassin to protect his king, and even if that didn't work out he started it as a career. Abel was hilarious and I loved how he could care less of what was expected of him by his rank. And Dagz, who was so strong despite all the bad things he went through because his nature was misunderstood.

Naturally I loved the parts where Lucien and Felix from the previous story appeared.

4 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

Review: This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
by V.E. Schwab
Published by Titan Books
Paperback (purchased)
Adult/Young Adult, Fantasy

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books. 

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

Schwab is one of the best authors to create brilliant settings. The world-building in this was absolutely brilliant, and I loved the idea how monsters are created by violence, and the type of monster one becomes depends on the type of violence done. It's unique and genius, and that alone made me love the story - because of how different it is.

The other thing that I absolutely love in Schwab's books are the characters, and how Schwab does not shy to show the dark side of humanity and, well, monsters. Or in some cases, the capacity of good the monsters have. Basically how the lines are blurred and it's not easy to pinpoint what is evil and monstrous and what isn't - just like the real life is. This Savage Song exploited that theme brilliantly; that being a monster or a human isn't about what you're born into but what you choose to do. I really loved August, which surprised me. I'm not really into the trope of monsters wishing to be humans and yearning for it, but August was so precious and sympathetic that I just loved him despite the trope. I also liked the family dynamic in August's family, and I liked all of them because they were so different from each other but still so relatable - all of them. Kate, well, she was an enigma in a way but I had problems with her. She was all human but she tried to be hard and bad just because her father was, and she wanted to show him that she can be just like him. The problem was that I didn't feel like Kate really wanted it, and she really didn't try her best to be bad or evil, so it felt a bit forced all the way. However, she grew on me despite that she felt a bit fake with her motives and choices. In the end I rooted for her even if I didn't end up loving her as much as I loved August.

Overall, This Savage Song was brilliant. Maybe not the most action packed but the world-building and the characters were so good that I didn't even care. And there's a possibility that the sequel has a lot more action going on so the tiny lack of action packed plot in this one wasn't bad at all. I'll be eagerly waiting for the sequel!

4 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

Review: Omega Enslaved by Zoe Perdita

Omega Enslaved (Lost Wolves, #4)
by Zoe Perdita
Published by Eccentric Erotica
Ebook (purchased)
Adult, LGBT, paranormal, romance

Felix Underwood is an omega, a con man and a (sometimes) assassin enacting revenge for the wrongs that plague his past. However, all that ends when he's captured by Interpol. Imprisoned for months, his only shot at freedom is a dangerous mission to gather information on the infamous alpha wolf, Lucien the Bloody King of Wallachia. When the mission goes south, Felix ends up as a spy in Lucien's clutches. In order to save himself, Felix needs to bring Lucien to his human handlers, but Felix’s heart (and cock) tells him Lucien is his mate.

His heart sucks. Especially since Felix is straight. 

Lucien Mircea fought long and hard to become the ruthless alpha king he is today, but Felix challenges all of that. The mysterious omega wolf riles up Lucien’s alpha instincts and sets his blood on fire in more ways than one. Lucien swore he’d never fall for a measly omega, yet the thread of destiny (and lust) intertwines them.

Hundreds of miles from home and dogged by hunters, Lucien and Felix must work together if they want to survive. Can the alpha and omega overcome betrayal and learn to trust the mate bond that connects them?

Alpha king who has enemies on every side of his kingdom's borders. Omega con man who's been captivated by Interpol and forced to do their bidding to save his sister - this time to capture the notorious alpha king. There were outrunning of enemies, daring and dangerous missions, and lots of bonding between Lucien and Felix. This time there weren't assassins but a king and a con man were enough to make things really interesting.

Plus one of my favourite thing, which was an appearance of Zev and Simeon from the second installment of this series.

4 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

Review: Pickup Men by L.C. Chase

Pickup Men (Pickup Men, #1)
by L.C. Chase
Published by Riptide Publishing
Ebook (free)
Adult, LGBT, western, contemporary, romance

It takes a pissed-off Brahma bull named Shockwave to show rodeo pickup man Marty Fairgrave the cold hard truth about champion bull rider Tripp Colby: Tripp will never leave the safety of his closet or acknowledge Marty in public. Sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough, and after a year of hiding what they are, Marty finally sees the light—and it’s no longer shining on Tripp.

Tripp Colby would do anything for Marty. Well . . . almost. He’s never loved anyone before, and isn’t quite sure how to handle it now. But he knows Marty is his everything, and in order to win him back, Tripp will have to overcome his darkest fears and step into the light.

But no matter Tripp’s intentions, the cost might be too high and the effort too late for these two cowboys to ride off into the sunset.

I don't think that I have read a western/cowboy book before, even though I have seen all the classic movies and some new ones, because my dad really likes them and I used to watch them with him. I like the setting, the rodeos and ranch life, and when you throw a gay cowboys there? Hello Brokeback Mountain, my favourite movie/short story. Enough chit chat.

I fell in love with the story. I loved the characters; Marty who's out and proud, sincere, warm and so damn nice person; Tripp who's in the closet but so adorable with his inner, heart-breaking conflicts; Bridge who's protective and such a good friend; same with Kent; and the paramedic Eric who's funny and nice. I just loved them and the setting, which was rodeo circles in California. I loved how they all had different jobs, Marty and Bridge being pickup men, and Tripp being a bullrider. And then, of course, the main relationship.

I liked how Marty and Tripp is an established couple, although their relationship was mostly secret one because Tripp is scared of coming out, and how he has to decide if what he wants as Marty has gotten enough of secrets and leaves Tripp. All the feels, and all the heartbreak, but there was plenty of funny, heart-warming moments with friends

The story was intriguing, the setting was a spot on and felt so authentic, and the characters were so lovable (except Scott, because he's a bastard). I devoured the book, and it left me needing more of this world and these characters. Also, because of this, I have a newly found obsession with M/M cowboy stories. I need more cowboys in my life.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in western/contemporary/romance. It can't get more lovable, adorable, and good than this.

5 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

ARC Review: Tin Man by Lisa Henry & Heidi Belleau

Tin Man (Bliss, #1.5)
by Lisa Henry & Heidi Belleau
Published by Riptide Publishing
e-ARC (received via Netgalley)
Adult, LGBT, dystopia, sci-fi

Petty thief Ashoka “Ace” King knows better than to get in the way of Tophet’s Anti-Terrorist Unit. Rightfully feared in Tophet’s crime-ridden underbelly, a face-to-face encounter with an ATU is almost certainly a death sentence. But Ace has never been one to follow the rules.

Soren Lau might be an ATU rookie, but he’s not naive enough to believe everything his superiors tell him. Then again, he’s not stupid enough to disobey them, either. If he doesn’t shoot and kill as ordered, he might be next on their list.

But when Soren meets Ace, a moment’s hesitation is all it takes to put both their lives on the line. They don’t know each other, they don’t trust each other, and there’s no way in hell they can both walk away from this alive. But with suspicion and mortal danger mounting against both of them—and the forbidden attraction blazing between them—there’s nothing they can do but try.

Tin Man can be read as a standalone, but it compliments beautifully Bliss as it's set in the other side of the tracks than the full length story.

Tin Man is edgy. The world, the city of Tophet, is grim and dark, and it seems there's little to no hope for the better. However, the characters, especially Ace and Soren, makes what they believe is best for them out of the situation. I really liked the contrast between the characters: Ace as a thief, living on shadows and on the edge of society, whilst Soren was a rookie for Anti-Terrorist Unit (mix of police and military), hunting down criminals. Ace and Sore are very intriguing characters and I feel like there could have been a bit more development and more detailed descriptions if the story wasn't as short as it is (a bit over hundred pages).

The plot was good for the length of the story but it had potential to be longer, especially since that would have made the story even better; more detailed, more development, and probably give a bit more closure at the ending. The ending came too soon, in my opinion, but it was left hopeful and a bit open, which fit the story well enough.

Overall, it was a very good complimentary novella. I'd just wish it was a full length novel, which would have made it even better.

4 of 5 stars

Add on Goodreads.

Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Tin Man!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Daring Fate by Megan Erickson

Daring Fate (Silver Tip Pack, #1)
by Megan Erickson
Self-published
E-ARC
Adult, LGBT, paranormal, dystopia, romance

We all have tragic backstories in today's world.

I wake up chained to the wall of a dark cell aware of two things: I failed my sister, and I smell my enemy.

When I’m taken to meet Dare, the alpha of the Silver Tip pack, I’m sure I’m about to lose my throat. The last thing I expect is for the Alpha to recognize me as his fated mate. No way is he going to let me go now, and I still have to find a way to rescue my sister.

As I plot my escape to save her, I find that if I leave, Dare could be killed by power-hungry members of his pack. And now he’s more to me than my fated mate—my heart is involved. With time ticking by on my sister’s life, I have to make a choice I never thought I’d face—my sister’s life or my mate’s? That’s if I can survive the undead shifters intent on killing me first...

When it comes to contemporary M/M romance, I trust Megan Erickson. The stories are always full of feelings, relatable characters, steamy scenes, plot, and well, just about everything a perfect contemporary romance needs. So when it was announced that she was about to tip into paranormal romance mixed with dystopian themes, I was all for it - even if I have some problems with paranormal romance tropes.

Daring Fate was great, and even the few paranormal tropes, which I usually have problems with, didn't bother me too much (namely the mates and the alpha behaviour). There's an actual world-building, and lore that is very original for a werewolf story. The lore is quite unique with three types of werewolves; the ones who have human shape and wolf shape, the ones who have human shape, wolf shape, and hybrid shape of those two, and the undead who are stuck in the hybrid shape. And of course, the fact that in this world the humans have ceased to exist so there's only different types of werewolves left. I have to admit that I'm not huge fan of zombies of any kind, and I usually avoid anything involving them, but the Noweres (undead werewolves) were actually very fascinating.

As much as there was world-building, Daring Fate is a very character driven story. I loved Reese, and especially his devotion to his siblings, as well as his developing loyalty to Dare. Dare was a good match for Reese as he's the protector type of person, which does not come as a surprise as he's the alpha of the Silver Tip pack. Whom I loved the most, however, were Jude and Bay; the brothers of our respective main characters. Jude, brother of Reese, was just darn lovable and brave, and so cute. Bay, who's Dare's brother, is an enigma and charming character, and I really hope that the next book in this series will involve him as a main character!

As a story, Daring Fate was intense read and it kept me engaged thorough the story. The romance was very steamy and there were plenty of steamy scenes - maybe a few too many at one point before the plot and action really kicked in. The last half of the book was full of intense action, emotions and fighting scenes that just left me breathless. The fight scenes played out like in the movie Underworld, which was one of the things that inspired the book, and I really loved that as much as I love the Underworld movies.

I highly recommend Daring Fate to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance types of books - or even to anyone who wants to try one. And if you're a fan of Megan Erickson, then Daring Fate is a must for you. The only reason why I am not giving the story full five stars is because at one point I got a bit bored with the constant steamy scenes (until the plot really kicked in, and then I was in for a intense ride).

4 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.

Thank you, Megan Erickson, for giving me a chance to read and review Daring Fate!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Review: Omega In The Light by Zoe Perdita

Omega In The Light (#2, Lost Wolves)
by Zoe Perdita
Published by Eccentric Erotica
Ebook
Adult, LGBT, paranormal, romance

One terrible mistake cost Zev Oren his family, his place as pack alpha and his future. Living as a disgraced mercenary and beset by guilt, Zev is sure things can’t get much worse. Then he meets Simeon Kane, the omega assassin sent to kill him. Simeon’s presence wakes a passion Zev tried to bury years ago, but that passion could keep Zev from ever returning home. Because in order to do so he must regain his honor, clean up his act and deny he’s gay.

Simeon wants to complete his mission, assassinate his mark and move on. Emotions aren’t a part of the job, and he’d like to keep it that way. When he’s sent to kill the sexy alpha with the lopsided grin, Simeon can’t pull the trigger. Zev is too vibrant and handsome and. . . married. But he makes Simeon feel alive. The fiery lust and strange sensations rising between them is more than simple desire – it’s the mark of true mates.

While fighting assassins, hunters and a murderous warlord is easy – falling in love isn’t. Can Zev and Simeon repair their shattered souls and give in to the bond set by fate?

Assassins. Mercenaries. Impossible mission. Complicated pasts. Steamy romance. Yeah, I got what I came for; this got me nicely out of the 'unable-to-finish-books' slump that I had.

I would recommend to those who enjoy M/M paranormal romance and assassins/mercenaries.

4 of 5 stars.

Add on Goodreads.