Review Roundup July - October 2016

I have just fallen so far behind in my reviewing that I feel it impossible to catch up unless I sort of paraphrase. Couple of pertinent sentences per book will have to suffice.

Please, these are my opinions only and reflect my personal feelings about these stories, and whether I would read further offerings from these authors. I recommend to any potential reader, if the blurb catches your fancy, give it a shot and make your mind up from there. What I like you may not, what I don’t you may love – we are all different and there is room for all of us.

Well, here goes: —

Clipped by Devon McCormack (MM Paranormal – Fallen Angels, the lot)

Some topsy-turvy shit going on here. Religion all back to front and roundabout. The Fallen are the hero’s, the sex is rough and violent, and there is an inordinate fascination with the size of one’s appendage, but still betrayal is betrayal – so worried for you Kid. Read more? Hell, yes! Just waiting for an appropriate moment in my life.

Awakened by a Demoness by Felicity Heaton (FM Paranormal Romance)

Perhaps I just wasn’t in the mood when I read this one, because it just didn’t engage. For a PR there was nothing particularly wrong with it but nothing really stood out either other than the fact the author stuck to English as opposed to American-English. Read more? Not sure, maybe – and the hesitation has nothing to do with English versus American either – I’m not American so the spelling was familiar.

Protecting his own by Cherise Sinclair (FM BDSM Romance)

A visit from old friends is always welcome and I love Beth and Nolan. Not so sexy, this one deals with loss and the desire for family. Read more?  Definitely! And am waiting with bated-breath for Uzuri’s story coming out later this month

Loving Joshua by Grein Murray (MM Contemporary Romance)

To me the topic is too sensitive to be treated so unbelievably sweetly. A book dealing with abusive home lives, teen runaways, homelessness and ultimately, an exploitative industry, I was expecting something raw and gritty and far more embedded in reality. Read more? This series? No. If I want sweet I would probably head for a different offering.

Dark Wolf by Kate Douglas (Blended Paranormal Romance)

Nice to see an author incorporating a bit of FM, FF, MM and ménage. Books of such nature are few and far between and am really loving it even if it is being explained away as just part of the protagonists wolfie nature and not a reflection of the diversity of society. Read more? If I’m looking for a paranormal romance, then yes, I will defs look this author up.

Recoil/Owned/Temper by R Phoenix (MM Dark Fantasy)

I hate Elias Ivers!  I would shout this from the rooftops, that’s how good this author’s writing is because I have never felt so strongly about a character before. If you want to know what I think of the Ripples in the Status Quo series see my review on the last episode, Reflection. Read more? Damn right.  I’ve gotta see that jerk get his comeuppance, and to make sure those I love are alright. It’s Dark Fantasy, you just never know *eats nails*

Captive - Beautiful Monsters by Jex Lane (MM with some FM – Dark Fantasy)

A debut author who has taken the Incupire (Vampubus? Vamupus? ewww) world by storm. Love Matthew, hate Tarrick… Sex, violence, betrayal; and the adventure continues…OMG where is the next book?! Read more? What? Are you kidding, of course! PS, Sire, the next in the series is out now so go get it.

Stripped Expectations by James Lee Hard (MM Contemporary Romance)

Desperate financial situation, only job in the offering – male stripping– what more could you ask? This book had all the ingredients to make a cool story, but– and there’s that word that just negates everything I’ve just said– as far as it went it was a satisfactory narrative, however I just have one question? Having not read at all in the story that Jason and Oliver ever saw or were introduced to Mathew, and the same definitely goes for that bully Thomas, how did any of them actually know who he even was so Thomas could so spectacularly mess things up for Mark? Read more? Hmmm - undecided.

Jared by Nicole Edwards (FM Contemporary Romance)

Go those cowboys and cowgirls – gotta love them, aye? Well sometimes but not always. Not to say these folks were unloveable just didn’t grab me by the short and curlies. The first in this Alluring Indulgence spin-off series was amazing.  Sometimes being second in line sucks because it’s just not possible to live up to.  Read more? I don’t read everything of Ms Edwards but Coyote Ridge series still has a place in my heart so, yeah

Nut Case Love Anthology by Andrea Smith; Aim Nicole Walker; Susan Ward & Nicholas Bella (LGBT Anthology)

I have four words to describe this anthology— Weird, Wonderful, Woeful, Wicked— Read more? While I found this offering weird, I like Andrea Smith’s style and have read previous books of hers and loved them so, thumbs up on that one; This was my first intro to Aim Nicole Walker and I’m hooked; Susan Ward, not so much. As I’ve never yet met a ‘love’–and I use that term loosely–interest I liked, not into emotional manipulators and that’s how I see them, I probably won’t read more; Nicholas Bella, no need to ask, I am a raving fangirl. Of course I’ll be reading more.

The Hard Boys: Alien Abduction and The Hard Boys Meet Dr. Frankenseed by Ian Cadena (MM… ummm, not really sure what the label is for this one – Unique, maybe?)

Sex, sex and more sex – you can’t stop them, they’re all at it like rabbits (even if it brings down the house or sets it on fire, or shorts the power grid!).  Creepy alien encounters and mad scientists notwithstanding, and the age-old adage, walk a mile in my shoes before you pass judgement, still leaves plenty of time for some pretty raunchy shenanigans in this series (almost on every page!). The tone of writing is breezy and even borderline adolescent but it’s also hot as fuck. Read more? You betcha, just waiting on the next episode.

Noble episode two in Cobra, the Gay Vigilante Series by Nicholas Bella (MM Dark & Sexy Urban Fantasy)

Something happened to Eric in the military a few years back. A fierce patriot, he volunteered for a special op and got more than he bargained for - Betrayal! With impenetrable skin, amazing strength and an ability to morph his body to look like anyone he wants, he now has taken up the mantle of vigilante for the downtrodden and disenfranchised. He's still got a lot to learn and I fear for him because one of those things in dishing out his just desserts to a scumbag predator is what makes him in the end any different to them? Read more? Oh, definitely. I'm worried. I have to make sure he and Jordan come out of these experiences emotionally unscathed - well as much as is possible considering what they have to deal with, that is.

Havoc episode eight in the Demon’s Gate Series by Nicholas Bella (MM Dark & Sexy Paranormal or is that Urban Fantasy too?)

This is a tasty, titillating and tempestuous serial. The conversion of Andre to an Agoto mate for Brian, begets discord in the house of our two sexy demon protagonists. With a deadly Xora out on the streets murdering innocent families, and postulating and jealousies abounding at home, Brian has his work cut out for him. Read more? Bring it on!!!!

Tricked: A Dark Protector Novella by Rebecca Zanetti (FM Paranormal Romance)

Ah, this one I liked better than the last. A feisty but dying woman, saved by a vamp out of the goodness of his heart (and nothing more) by mating her and endowering her with eternal life. You can always count on the Vamp being a possessive, pompous, overbearing Alpha when it comes to his new mate, but Ronnie I loved as much as Jared ended up doing. She had guts and humour, there was just something more appealing about her. Read more? Yes, but I might go for a change in series and try Ms Zanetti’s Scorpius Syndrome…

Wow, my goodness, look at all those amazing covers- High five to Dark Wolf, Stripped Expectations and Noble- officially my favourites

Sydney Whyte

The Weight of It All by NR Walker - Review

Rudely awoken from that most human of states – contented complacency – by the harsh words of his ex-lover Graham, our beloved hero, Henry rashly closes one door by joining a gym and opens another on his road to rediscovering himself.  The fact that his trainer, Reed, is veritable eye-candy is just a bonus. Right? But a bonus that might turn in to something much more fulfilling.  The fact the man is gay, and that they share an interest - besides that of making Henry’s pudgy figure svelte and fit - in food, a particular obsession that got Henry into trouble in the first place, becomes the starting point for their connection. And it doesn’t hurt that Henry’s non-filter makes the man laugh with his unintended wit and self-deprecation. Henry just opens his mouth and hilarity pops out and has Reed smiling all the way to the treadmill.

NR Walker has an amazing talent, to write wit is far more difficult than to deliver it in person, but the book is full of it and it just flows with such ease and naturalness.  As everybody who has already reviewed it can no doubt attest, the laughs came thick and fast during the reading. This book was a veritable feast of hilarity.

There is but one warning I must give while indulging in this simple but lovely story of our unlikely protagonists, and that is it must not be read while you are on a diet! There are far too many references to lemon tart.  Each time I came across it I actually salivated. Something lemony and sweet, yum. But not knowing what lemon tart actually consisted of it always somehow morphed into a craving for lemon-meringue pie and in the end, I just had to go out and buy it. That, my friends, is not guilt free food.

Despite this little problem the book is a fantastic read peopled with characters that are completely relatable right down to the supporting roles played by Melinda and Anika and her boyfriend Sean.  They all came to feel like friends which in the end made the obligatory sex scene between the new lovers seem slightly intrusive, like walking into the lounge and unexpectedly coming across a family member in a compromising situation on the couch.  You know they indulge but you don’t necessarily need to be confronted with it.

Will I read it again? You betcha. When I’m in need of some sweet mirth and an endearing HEA I will be revisiting Henry and Reed all over again.  I just must finish my diet first.

««««

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Refraction: A Ripples in the Status Quo (Episode Six) by R Phoenix

What can I say? The skill R Phoenix wields as she leads us through the story of humanity’s struggle with the injustices and cruelties of the ‘new’ Status Quo is superb to say the least.

To take the very creatures who now run riot through this world and instil in the reader a loyalty for those of them who regret ever lending a helping hand in its instigation shows a talent that offers us all an insight into the thoughts and longings not only of the Supes but those they have come to need and love. They are not all cruel, they do not all revel in the degradation of others. We can understand what they hoped for then; we can understand what they hope for now.

This series is a dark read, there is no denying that, peopled with beings that it would seem have sold their souls long ago for control and greed and a sense of superiority over not only humans but even their own kind.  Take one Elias Ivers, the coldest, most calculating, hated and feared beings in this new regime.  Never have I met a character that I loathed so much, and there have been many of them that have drawn a strong negative reaction from me before.  His ability to read people, find their weakness and cruelly twist every good - or not so good - intention or feeling to his own ends without one jot of sensitivity paints him as the most hideous of men.  There is no chink possible in this armour of loathing he has for the world… or is there?

Refraction offers us insight as never before, allowing us a glimpse into the Ivers’ world, one tiny indicator that the witch does indeed suffer emotions of a nature other than disdain even if the manifestation of these is a perverted attraction and a selfish sense of regret. It is Elias Ivers, and it is dark fantasy, what is to be expected? But it makes him that little bit less godlike, and little more fellable.

This episode is one of the most just and satisfactory episodes to date.  Amidst the darkness there can be hope, there can be purpose and action; and there can be forgiveness and acceptance.

It was a fantastic read, and I am very much looking forward to the next instalment.  All fingers and toes crossed that it takes me further along the path to the Status Quo’s downfall – there are hints the cracks are forming; but knowing R Phoenix’ twisted plots and her villainous Elder, I will not hold my breath that it will be accomplished quickly nor with ease. I can only hope those I am rooting for can stay the course and survive.

«««««

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Origins by Nicholas Bella, Book one of Cobra: The Gay Vigilante Series - Review

Looks like I have a penchant for slightly egocentric, snarky and sassy character’s because this is what I got in the first of Nicholas Bella’s Gay Vigilante series, Origins, and I’m hooked.

Apparently all ‘super heroes’ have to have a beginning story – the how or the why of it.  Not too much back-story in this episode but this is only the starting of Cobra’s (aka Eric’s) story.  Eric and his faithful side-kick, Jordan.  What a couple.

Of all the characters in all the series Nicholas has created to date, these guys are by far the most ‘normal’, even if one is a nerdy computer genius and the other is sporting the ability to transform his appearance, it would seem to anything he wants.  We get to meet him in the opening scenes as a woman!  Of all things.

Loved his self-assured demeanour, his sass, his spunk and his super strength.  Super quick healing and impenetrable skin too.  Makes for one successful vigilante hero.

Eric and Jordan’s loveable banter really caught my fancy, their rude camaraderie even when calling each other out on their diverse sense of fashion.  There was enough vanity and insecurity on Eric’s part to tone down his arrogance, making him wholly likeable.  And the glasses – for all that he had come into some amazing powers – we as yet know not how – Eric is not perfect.  Defective eyesight helps him retain his humanity if not his humility.  Anyway he mostly brags to Jordan, so what’s the harm.  Jordan for all that they are not a proper couple – Really? Come on guys, you have joint bank accounts.  Who’s in denial? – while worshipping the ground Eric walks on, can still hold his own.  Sexual exclusivity comes secondary to emotional attachment and conscientiousness over sexual safety in this relationship.  And a loving relationship it ‘really’ appears to be.

Carless, jobless, borderline itinerant, they need money.  One of the relatable draws in this ‘Origins’ story.  In steps their ‘employer’, a big corporation who has undoubtedly had information stolen from them.  They hire Eric to take get it back from the evil Mr Henley while stipulating minimum torture and no murder.  Hmmm, I’m suspicious.  A corporation that is do-gooding?  Am waiting with bated-breath for them to make a further appearance in future episodes.  Maybe?  For my part, I construed their parting shot to Eric, a little menacing.

Definitely this book reflected that superhero comic book feel.  Fast paced, vengeance wreaking, heroic, intriguing, humorous, and super-sexy.  Well maybe that last is not quite so comic book, but this is a Nicholas Bella episodic and promises to be epic.  Waiting impatiently for further revelations; Cobra meting out well deserved punishments to dastardly, villainous people…  And the introduction of a quintessential and necessary ‘master of evil’?  We shall see.

«««««

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Speechless (Book three in Pier 70) by Nicole Edwards – Review

After not enjoying so much Nicole Edwards Fearless, the second book in her Pier 70 series, I’m glad to say Speechless I imbibed as though I couldn’t get enough.  It was true.  There was just something so different about this concept - a mute man, and a raging, vulnerable youth.

I just loved Teague Carter.  Hot and sexy.  Hurt and misguided.  Always running away from everything.  Running away from the hurt of his childhood, his mother’s death and the abandonment he experienced.  Uncontrollable anger and rebellion, the consequence of his inability to fight his overwhelming feelings of worthlessness.  But in all that he was, in his way, so very endearing.

Ever since they had first met, there had been a pull between him and the enigmatic Hudson Ballard.  They worked side by side at the marina and Teague found it impossible to deal with his burgeoning feelings, except to live in denial.

The fact Hudson couldn’t speak just made their communication even more poignant.  It made it just that much harder and yet in a lot of ways far more effective.  Oh, sure, they had their moments and misunderstandings, and that had led to near tragedy, but it was nothing more than a catalyst to something that, without help, Teague was almost fated to succumb to at some time or other in his life.

The cellphone texting was a nice touch, and Teague finally wanting to learn sign language a step in the right direction as the two men got closer.  The chemistry between them was sizzling and better for the fact that they had to work so hard to understand each other.  To communicate, not with words all the time, but with touch and thoughtfulness, was enchanting.  The sex was hot, gratifying and I loved that Teague embraced his desire to submit to Hudson’s sexual domination.  The impatience, petulance, childish behaviour when Teague didn’t get what he wanted was offset by his enthusiasm, surrender, determination – he quit drinking for the man, that’s determination in my book when you were previously a dedicated binge-drinker and party animal - and Hudson’s calm, caring, giving, commanding and innovative nature.  Perfection.

This is not the first time Nicole Edwards has touched on the effects of depression, an illness effecting so many in today’s world.  She treated this subject matter with tenderness, caring and understanding of the isolation and hopelessness that can end up being overwhelming.  It was a both a heart-breaking read and an uplifting one.

««««1/2

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Will and Patrick Wake Up Married - Series by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths - Review

I had heard a lot about this MM serial, a collaboration between two authors, one known to me the other a newbie to the indie publishing industry.  The comments had me intrigued.  It was obvious people were waiting with bated-breath between each of the six instalments coming out.  So when the first episode was offered for free I snapped it up and put it onto my TBR list.

I must say, if it hadn’t been for poor old Will’s crazy-arse mafia-related family this little gem of a tale would have ended as soon as Will and Patrick woke up.  Thank goodness it didn’t.  I devoured the first book and then went and purchased the entire series.

Will was a man with many emotional issues, a penchant for drink (well, an all-out alcoholic actually) and driven to the booze by the obnoxious actions and abuse of the only man he had loved to that point in his life.  Dumped by Ryan while he was in Vegas - over the phone no less - Will rebounded literally into the arms of the predatory Patrick and woke up the next morning with a massive hangover and to find he had married what appeared to be an insufferable man.  Now don’t get me wrong, Patrick is the one I actually fell in love with.

Decidedly arrogant - he was after all the preeminent brain surgeon in the world - Patrick was forthright and bald with the truth, condescending to those who worked under him, gaining enemies left, right and centre, but in fact was just a man lacking in certain social skills.  Underneath it all he was just a big softy, and really rather enamoured of the gentle and soul-tortured Will.  He, on the whole, provided all the laughs as he navigated the quirky town of Healing their ill-fated situation had landed him in.

Will’s family were definitely a trial, as they and his friends castigated, manipulated, cajoled, threatened with guns (well his dad was a gangster, after all) him into the box they had fashioned for him – to keep him safe, mind, because he obviously couldn’t do that on his own despite that he was a man running a multi-million dollar charitable organisation.  They knew best and, of course, in their not so humble opinion it wasn’t the arrogant Patrick.  More fool them.  It was a joy to follow Will and Patrick as they proved them wrong, navigating through their life issues, of which they both had many, and drawing closer together along the way.

In the end I had but one quibble, and that being it was of necessity, a little drawn out towards the end - I mourned Owen’s unwanted and unnecessary advice to Will, knowing it came from a place of selfishness and jealousy.  If only Will had talked to Jax first to find out exactly what was ‘normal’ – But it was put out as a serial with all the drama and anticipation of having to wait for each new instalment to come out – the wait makes every word of each episode that much more easily devoured; and I didn’t, I read it in one sitting (well maybe three – there were six books, after all, to the series and I'm not the fastest reader in the world).

It was however, time well spent, and I know it will call to me again because I do like revisiting old friends and this strange and weird bunch definitely wormed their way into that category.

««««1/2

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Puppy by R Phoenix - Review

Last evening I needed a little breather from the mundanity of life and being a person who likes a bit of quirk, a lot of danger (only in a book of course) and a shit ton of kink, I reached for R Phoenix new novella, Puppy.

It is a standalone episode in her Ripples in the Status Quo dark, erotic serial.  And I just lapped it up.

Caleb, what an irrepressible little human, a precious pup.  I just fucking loved him!  And as for big, bad, old vampire Liam, pretty sure he didn’t know what hit him.

If you’re after a Vamp story with a difference, I can definitely recommend you not go past this.  Big belly-roll laugh at the end of chapter… nah! Not going to tell you.  You’ll just have to read it.  Hit all my buttons, just loved it to bits.

«««««

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Black Balled by Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir - Review

I first came across these two characters, Troy (Babu) Babilonia and Larson Blackburn in Andrea Smith’s Hearts Afire anthology – and I absolutely hated them, couldn’t see anything positive or nice to say about them.  But then it wasn’t their story, it was Lloyd Ledbetter (an ex of Larson’s) and Luke Gunner’s, so, naturally my loyalty was to this pair and Larson and Babu just came across as condescending asshats.  Which after reading Black Balled, I realised they truly were. But for two characters that were so completely opinionated, self-absorbed and obnoxious, they were surprisingly enough very appealing in their own right.  I enjoyed just about every moment of their fiery, bitter, scathing and erotic interactions.

Under the pseudonym of L Blackburn, Larson has poured his heart and soul into a story he has self-published – a decision he has made by choice, rather than because he has to in this instance, but by this very action he has brought himself to the attention of Babu, a scathing and career destroying reviewer.

Their resultant interactions were hilarious, horrid, and absorbing.  They began a long distance love/hate relationship, in that they both loved to hate each other.  But in doing so they became totally absorbed.  The back and forth of their email communications was enthralling and filled with an appealing dark humour.

The story offered a fascinating glimpse into the life of an Indi Author on the verge of ‘making it’, and a reviewer, albeit an emotionally scarred one determined to burn him down.  How close to the truth of it, it all is, I don’t know, but it was certainly a fun and entertaining tale, what with the inclusion of Larson’s current lover (see above) and a scheming ex-wife who hadn’t quite got the message that Larson was keen for multiple lovers of both genders and not what they had gone through over the last unhappy years.

Babu on the other hand was just confused, refusing to accept his sexuality for what it was due to traumas happening in his past life.  That and a knife in an elevator, had the guy almost a recluse in his own apartment.  Until the pair met at a convention - in a stalled elevator, of all places – and not recognising exactly who each other were, they shared a life-changing moment.

Honestly I loved the interplay between the two alphas.  When their relationship finally took off it was beyond enjoyable – neither wanting to take the submissive position.  But for the less obnoxious (not by much, may I just say) and more experienced in all things homosexual, Larson, the tentative relationship would have been doomed.  It almost was, thanks to the ex, that and L Blackburn’s faltering career.

I will say though, if you are not a fan of gender comparison, then be aware there is a bit of it going on in this book.  Larson is bisexual and you do get his sexual views on what is best about both sexes, but they can come across as a little disparaging to women, and this is reinforced again with the couple’s punishment of the manipulative and deceiving ex-wife.

That said, I will definitely revisit this imperfect pair again and again because I found them extremely fascinating - faults and all.

««««1/2

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Fearless by Nicole Edwards (Book 2 in the Pier 70 series) - Review.

The tale of lost love, a ten-year hiatus, and a fateful coming together.  It could have been good.  It was, however more reminiscent of a split personality disorder.

The fantastical ideal that one could miss another person so much that they never ventured into another relationship at all in that period is ludicrous – and if it truly happens, then, it’s just sad.  They’re both young.  Dare Davis, even though only nineteen apparently knew what he wanted and when he didn’t get it he decided that commitment was no longer for him.  A little petulant at life’s vagaries don’t you think?  But I guess he was a teenager so that determination might be expected, but I’d hardly credit such attitude lasting ten years!  I understand, what with the added tragedy of Noah Pearson’s father, how he could decide his heart was hurt enough to throw himself into nothing but work, however.  That particular reaction at least rang with a little bit of truth.

One thing I didn’t understand though was that neither of them before their fateful reunion had been particularly active in the gay community.  Casual sex?  Yes a little bit apparently, but not a lot (and certainly not recently – we were all definitely assured of that, as if should they have behaved any other way they were less than worthy).  Really?  Why?  They were both young, impressionable, their whole lives ahead of them to explore their sexuality, their options, other possible relationships.  But did they have meaningful relationship or attachments?  Not at all!  Nada, none, diddly squat.  Um, yeah?  While I’m pretty sure this was a novel aimed at the growing audience of female MM romance readers, and even though I am one of them, I found the pandering to the supposed requirements of my demographic in this context, annoying.  It’s a fantasy perpetrated to ensure that a love lost is never forgotten, never gotten over, kind of like poor Molly in Ghost, doomed to live a life of loneliness because her one and only true love, Patrick Swayze’s Sam bit the big one and she’s now obligated to wait for death for their reunion ‘because love never dies.  You take it with you’.  It has little basis in reality and it shouldn’t.

So for all this pining, angst and self-denial, when the two do finally get together you’d expect with all that’s gone before, it would be romantic.  Not!  It becomes one all out shag-fest.  They can’t get enough of each other sexually, to the point where they forget to communicate with one another at all.

At least three times they split over some misunderstanding, some hurt feelings, and end up apologizing and starting over.  But they don’t talk.  They’re awkward, dishonest with each other and in the end I’m not actually sure they were at all right for one another after all.  They became two different people from the couple they were when young.  In the end their happiness felt contrive for no other reason than that the story had to end and that the two of them as MC’s must get together.  Personally I would have been better pleased if they had both grown up and moved on with a mature relationship with other more appropriate people.

It was however, nice to meet old friends from the previous instalment, and Nicole does write with a certain appealing sense of humour.  I liked the characters, but as with some other pairings this author has penned, just not together.

While I was not that taken with this offering, I have the next in the Pier 70 series and knowing that I do find I like some characters and situations over others in her many novels, I will continue with the next book about Teague Carter and Hudson Ballard in Speechless.  I don’t give up because when I least expect it, Nicole Edwards does present me with gems.

««1/2

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Desire & Ice by Christopher Rice (A MacKenzie Family Novella) - Review

The MacKenzie family and Surrender are a world created by Liliana Hart, a New York Times best-selling author.  An author to date that I have read only one of her stories.  I was of the opinion that I could take it or leave it, and mostly that was leave it.  It had wonderful build-up at the beginning then fell into confusion in the middle and flat at the end.  It appeared the author had an inability to write physical conflict so she hinted it could happen and then it just inexplicably didn’t.

However, this is not a story of Surrender written by her.  Now it appears her setting and some of her characters have been handed over to other authors to try their hand at.  I thought I’d give Surrender another shot with Christopher Rice’s novella set in Surrender in the middle of winter.  From my experience of his writing he was not an author so afflicted by Ms Hart’s particular inability.

This is a story of a young deputy smitten with his former high school teacher who chases after her when he realises a storm is heading their way and she may be trapped at her old property, ill-equipped to survive the blast.

It is sort of reminiscent of another story I’ve read by Vivian Arend – the younger man, older woman scenario – forced together by an icy blast.  Apart from the women having an ex, that’s where the comparison ends unfortunately.

This is a romp of the dastardly kind.  Ex is a self-absorb crim who has dumped his ex-wife in the way of trouble and Danny is left to get her out of it and in the process making her fall in love with him.

As always the people Christopher has created are real and passionate, his writing eloquent and his word pictures imaginative.

It is, however, not one of my favourites.  Perhaps because it was too short of a tale and I didn’t feel the immediate spark between the two main characters; or perhaps it was the gravity of the situation that kind of touched on the unbelievable.

I was however glad for Eliza’s rescue.  Can’t have the criminal element winning the day.

««1/2 (because I might be tempted to read it again in a quiet moment)

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

I want this man to do my washing! Don't you?

Ravel by R Pheonix - Review

In the desperate and bleak world R Pheonix has created, Ravel stands out as a beacon of light and mercy.  Here is guilt.  Here is forgiveness.  Here is redemption.

This is a story of attaining what we do not deserve.  Ashton is a flawed human, moulded by his circumstance and the bitter plight of humanity in a world where Supes rule with the harsh hand of lethal justice.  Do not upset the ‘Status Quo!’  NOT EVEN IF YOU ARE A SUPE!

Breaking into a supe’s house no matter how desperate an act was a risk Ashton took because his humanity, no matter his belief it was dead, was alive and insistent.  He had to help his life-long friend.  The futility of such heroics seemed doomed almost from the beginning when the resident supe, a reclusive werewolf, comes upon him almost immediately.  What has he got to fight the dangerous and threatening beast that stands before him.  Nothing but wit, and the mind numbing idiocy of attraction.  He’s human.  And this is a wolf!

Those very things are his salvation.

Reese, a man, a wolf filled with guilt and loneliness is taken by the mouthly thief.  Though his chance to change what he sees happening in his world now that the status quo has been set by those who hold ferociously to the power they have gained, here is the opportunity to regain his ‘humanity’, to help those who suffer the most brutality under the regime he feels he allowed - he helped - to take control of the world.

It is a small thing.  Two humans.  And one that proves himself, in a moment of weakness, unworthy of everything that Reese has afforded the little thief.  Can Reese overcome such betrayal?  Can he offer life and forgiveness to the one man he has come to feel so deeply about?  And in doing so will he find damnation or redemption?

This was a masterful piece of writing, the desperation, the depth of feeling gripped you tight and held you to the last word.  The only gripe I have to offer on this second book in this Status Quo series is that, for my liking it was too short!

«««««

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Reader Abduction by Eve Langlais - Review

Ah, Eve Langlais, another jaunt through the alien impossible.  What can I say.  Have a drink.  Have another.  You need to be a little silly to digest this silly tale.

Purple alien, Phyr and a couple of sidekicks have conspired with this author to make away with a number of her single fans that come to a ‘Romancing the Capital’ convention.  Mistaking the purple pirate for the entertainment, Brigitte, the co-ordinator for this little event is swept away with a number of other women to be sold on the market at Aressotle because they don’t have enough women to marry and procreate with.

The purple pirates while being misogynistic arseholes manage to be somewhat likeable, naïve - stupid when it comes to women; violent and possessive but they do manage to avoid raping their victims which is handy if you want to get women on your side.  All the women are of age which is apparently important – at least to purple aliens of Aressotle - and all is done with consent even if induced by coercion – in Brigitte’s case that is – clothes and freedom of the ship for a blowjob *shakes head* Really!  Not sure about the other women completely, but at least a couple seemed to be more than happy to oblige just for the hell of it.  Apparently present single women with a purple alien of masculine proportions and they all turn into alien fan-sluts.

I loved the beginning of the story, the refreshing take on the alien invasion of the convention for alien lovers of Eve Langlais books.  “We all love purple!”  they cry.  It was fun.  And then of course it turned into a space romp complete with laser fights, further abductions, unexpected attachments, bad boy behaviour, a feisty heroine who tells him where to get off -until she doesn’t - and mind blowing… well you can guess the rest.

It was fun and silly, but I had to be drunk to avoid what in reality it was making light of.

Abduction and coercion into marriage.  If I think about it too much, the premise is actually really shameful.  However in the light in which it was written – it’s not a piece of literary writing advocating the right of men to abduct women for their own purpose – it’s just a silly romantic fantasy and given that, I can only rate it on my enjoyment factor at the time that I read it.

«««« (hey, it was Friday night and I was tipsy – don’t hate me)

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!

Wicked Burn by Rebecca Zanetti - Review

This series started with a really sexy bang.  Rebecca writes gruff, macho, dominant Immortal beings and saucy heroines.  Witch Enforcers are pretty hot stuff even if they do go a little caveman all over their mates.  I loved Kellach and Lex who got the ball rolling with a high-speed romp through Seattle chasing a new designer drug that killed humans and had the potential to kill witches should they be shot-up with enough of the devastating poison.  Then came Wicked Edge with Daire and Felicity who took my breath away, man they were an explosive couple – a witch and a demon and here in Wicked Burn was another such pairing only this time the witch was a canny, successful, feisty Irish female called Simone and the Demon was bad-arse Nicholai Veis.

Although I didn’t write a review for Wicked Edge, it was my favourite, and unfortunately it still is.  This one went, I feel, on a little tangent losing sight of the understory.  The fight against the production and dissemination of a drug that poses a threat to all witches.  We are no closer to finding out who is manufacturing it, and no closer to knowing why.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved the chemistry between Simone and Nicholai, some of the sex was hot, hot, hot especially the mind manipulating ice and fire play.  But I did quickly grow tired of all the running and rescuing that was necessitated by the fact that Simone had multiple enemies, even those who were apparently trying to help her.  I was bemused by how they always seemed to find her even when she and Nick were ensconced in ‘safe’ houses.  How?  How did they know where she was?  That, my friends is a question that annoyingly is not fully answered.  A secret perhaps to be revealed in the next instalment.

The introduction of a new shifter species I also found a little eye-roll worthy, as they have never even been hinted at before.  It felt a little like Ms Zanetti was just jumping on the DS bandwagon.  Perhaps they will be a vital link in the future fight against Apollo, but if not then they weren’t really necessary.  The world is already so full of Supernaturals without them, I’m a little surprised there is actually any room for humans.

Now, however, this book did come with one delicious perk.  It has a novella attached, a short story about our favourite vamp and his mate – Talen and Cara.  Yes, my friends, it was back to the original.  It was sexy and adult.  It was raw, fast-paced - as is usual for a Zanetti paranormal - but this was about a couple’s transitioning relationship.  Certainly an interesting topic.  How can a relationship forged in adversity, survive the boredom of peace?  Where now do both Talen and Cara fit within each other’s lives?  It was a study in stamina and staying power; about first loves and purpose and renewal and vowing again.  It was finding one’s place in life – it was great and I loved it – it was the icing on the cake.

«««  («««« for the novella)

Sydney Whyte

Rating Chart

«……………….A no goer

««……………Alright, but not a re-read

«««………..Liked it

««««…….Loved it

«««««…Amaze-balls – ticks all the boxes!!!